Ti passed quickly, and the most eye-catching event in the world recently was undoubtedly the World Assembly that Marley was preparing to convene. This ti, Marley invited nearly every country in the world— even those so barren and desolate that not even colonizers were willing to go there received invitations. Even the Middle Easterners, who had just been defeated by Marley, were also invited.
Such a grand gesture shocked many people, leaving them unable to figure out what Marley was really planning.
So countries originally had no intention of attending and planned to watch from the sidelines, but this ti Marley seed serious. The signature on the invitation clearly bore the na of the Tybur family.
The implication behind this was worth pondering. The Tybur family being the true power behind Marley was no secret, but this was the first ti they had appeared so publicly and on such a grand scale.
Marley's sincerity was on full display. Combined with the Tybur family's good private relationships with high-ranking officials from many countries, most nations sent representatives to attend, intending to see what Marley was really up to. The recently defeated Middle Easterners also sent a delegation. Although they were grinding their teeth in hatred toward Marley, for the ti being they had no ability to stir up any further trouble.
After all, in the war against Marley, the Middle Easterners had truly lost half of their military strength. If it hadn't been for General Wassel's risky decision to defy orders and preserve the remaining half of their forces, more than a decade of accumulated military power might have been completely buried at Marley's hands. If that had happened, the Middle Eastern delegation wouldn't even have the courage to stand before Marley now.
But now, with so strength still remaining, their representatives could at least openly express their dissatisfaction in front of the Marleyans.
At this mont, a bearded Middle Eastern representative wearing a small cap grabbed the collar of a minor customs official in Marley's capital and shouted angrily,
"What the hell is this supposed to an? Is this how Marley treats its guests? Such a huge military port, and you won't even let four warships dock? With so much space, are you saving it for your fishing boats?"
The Marleyan official, his collar being shaken, remained calm. There was even a hint of disdain in his eyes as he looked at the Middle Eastern representative. And he wasn't stupid—how could he not hear the mockery in the man's words?
Although Marley had won the war, its navy had been nearly wiped out. The naval commander had almost hanged himself at headquarters to atone. Now, only a dozen or so old or damaged warships remained in the port. So had even lost the ability to sail and could only sit idly in the harbor.
The earlier remark about "empty space for fishing boats" was clearly a jab at Marley's navy being wiped out.
However, the customs official didn't care in the slightest. No matter what, Marley was the victor. The defeated Middle Easterners, no matter what excuses they made, were still losers—looked down upon all the sa. Using the navy as an excuse changed nothing. It was just a loser trying to maintain so dignity.
The Marleyan official calmly straightened his collar, then repeated the sa line in an indifferent tone,
"My apologies. According to regulations, each nation's delegation is only allowed two of its own warships as escort, and each must not exceed 1,500 tons. Only frigates or destroyers are permitted."
"What kind of bullshit rule is that?! Then where are the rest of our warships supposed to go? Just float at sea?"
"All other warships are strictly prohibited from entering the port. Therefore, wherever they ca from, they should return. Marley is willing to provide the necessary fuel for their return journey free of charge. This is Marley's military port—Marley's rules are the rules here."
The Middle Eastern representative was left speechless by the retort. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he was about to swallow the humiliation and leave when suddenly, several deep ship horns sounded within the port.
Both the Middle Eastern representative and the Marleyan official looked up at the sa ti to see which country had arrived with such a grand display.
A fleet of thirteen destroyers appeared, escorting a massive ocean liner as it slowly entered the port. Guided by Marley's smaller vessels, it quickly docked smoothly within the harbor.
The Middle Eastern representative stared in shock. Recognizing the flag, he realized it was the fleet of Hizuru. But what the hell was this? Didn't Marley say only two warships were allowed as escort? What was going on here?
Enraged, the Middle Eastern representative grabbed the Marleyan official's collar again, spittle flying as he roared,
"What the hell are you playing at, Marley?! Didn't you say only two escort ships were allowed? Then what's with Hizuru?! Are you deliberately ssing with us? Targeting the Middle Easterners on purpose?!"
The Marleyan official frowned deeply, his face full of undisguised disgust at the spittle hitting him. He said with disdain,
"Rules are rules. Each delegation is only allowed two escort warships."
"Then why the hell does Hizuru get an exception?"
"Hizuru is an exception. That is the regulation—they are permitted to organize their own escort fleet."
The Middle Eastern representative felt a surge of blood rise to his throat, nearly coughing it out in anger. Trembling, he pointed at the Marleyan official, barely able to speak,
"Fine! Fine! Fine! What a set of rules! What a Marley! Let's go!"
With that, he led the Middle Eastern delegation away from the port.
And what the Marleyan official said was indeed true. Granting Hizuru special privileges was an order from above. After all, the idea for this World Assembly had originally been proposed by Hizuru, and they were also the first country willing to actively form an alliance with Marley. For such a "sincere" and "trustworthy" ally, Marley was naturally willing to make exceptions.
Another reason was that Marley simply didn't take Hizuru's military strength seriously. After all, Hizuru had always been known as a wealthy nation—rich beyond asure, yet weak beyond belief.
However, what the Marleyans probably never imagined, even in their wildest dreams, was who exactly was aboard those dozen or so destroyers forming Hizuru's escort fleet.
The grand Hizuru delegation disembarked onto the port. Marleyan officials had long been prepared to receive them. However, sothing felt strange—so of the people in the delegation seed a bit off. They looked around curiously like country bumpkins who had never seen the world, and quite a few were carrying bulging boxes, their contents unknown.
Still, the Marleyan officials didn't pay much attention. They warmly stepped forward and shook hands with Azumabito Kiyomi, the leader of the Hizuru delegation, engaging in polite conversation.
Soon, the large delegation prepared to head toward the accommodations Marley had arranged for them.
Due to the sheer number of people, the military port beca sowhat crowded.
A tall Marleyan official accidentally bumped into soone ahead of him.
"Oof! Sorry, kid—are you alright? I didn't an it. Where are your parents?"
The official quickly apologized upon seeing the short figure in front of him.
"Kid!?"
Swish! A pair of eyes radiating terrifying killing intent locked onto the Marleyan official. The deathly gaze froze him in place instantly.
"Squad Leader, keep up!"
From ahead in the crowd, Oluo called out. Only then did Levi withdraw his deadly stare, returning to his usual dead-fish eyes as he expressionlessly walked forward.
The Marleyan official was left trembling where he stood.
"S-so terrifying… those eyes…"
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